politically, i think these numbers tell president obama. people are hardened into their corners. we are essentially looking at eight to nine swing states. i sometimes think not to be too cute about this. i would like to come back as a woman swing voter in iowa. --ohio. we're seeing that targeting of the 2%, 3%. i think these numbers will play a role. how big? it's hard to know. the hardening of this election is in place. host: the focus of the cover on your magazine and that is the next president possibility to make his selection for the supreme court. i'm wondering what your view is of the current makeup of the court and which direction it will go as the new term opens this week in light of the vote on health care. guest: your viewers can see that cover. it is pretty clearly stated. often the court is viewed through the prism through hot- button social issues like abortion, guns, criminal defense issues. this is very much about the election where we have four supreme court justices over the age of 70. the next president will have the opportunity to shape this court for a generat